Aug 27, 20234 min read

The One With The Giraffes, Llamas and Rhinos...OH MY!!

Oh boy it's been a hot minute since I have had the chance to sit down and type. I have missed you all! This summer has been something else. Sadness and joy! Adventure! Family! Friends! Sports! So, I decided now was a good time to sit down and take a breath! A couple weeks ago we were able to head to Albany for some fun. It was their festivities, and we always enjoy going to all of it. Taytum and Piper get a birthday gift from the bank every year, so we chose the #HemkerZoo tickets because we absolutely love this small-town zoo. You can get up close and personal with all the animals. Chris hadn't been since the girls were 3 and I was actually pregnant with another set of twins at that time. It was super warm that day and I wasn't feeling well, so we didn't stay too long. Last year we went with Nana and Papa. So, this year the girls were excited that dad got to tag along.

Hemker Zoo is in a small town called Freeport. It is about an hour and a half west of the Twin Cities, right on Interstate 94. It began in 1977 by Mark and Joan Hemker. I remember when I was little, it was just reindeer, and we could go on sleigh rides in the winter. It was so fun! Now they have more than 50 different species from around the globe.

Taytum and Piper could spend an entire day here. When you walk in, I will warn you that if you are not a snake fan (that would be me), just keep walking straight and don't look to either of your sides. The building where you get your tickets is super cute with meerkats and tiny little monkeys (also snakes), a gift shop and beverages. When you walk out, to your right are the adorable penguins. Oh my word I just want to snuggle one or ten. They added a huge play set area this year. It is insanely awesome. Lots to do on there if you as a parent need to sit for a bit and let the kiddos go crazy.

Walking down the path a bit you will see different species of birds to your right. Then we ran into the tortoises. I could hear them as we were approaching and yes, they were making babies. So, we decided to keep walking haha. They added a huge ant eater. I have never really seen one. Umm they are definitely interesting looking. Chris found him so interesting as he was digging holes and looking for food.

One of my favorites is then to the left on the path. THE RED PANDA. Awwwww this little dude gives you stuffed animal snuggle vibes! Sooooo cute!!!

We then headed towards the llamas. Taytum was in llama heaven! She wants a llama so bad, and they were lucky to be in a fenced area or she may have tried to take one home! The girls both bought feed and fed the llamas and goats in this area. There are some cute monkeys nearby too. Of course, Chris needed to walk through the alligator alley! Those monsters were not moving. Taytum was so concerned and said that they needed to give her a sign they were good haha. They were just sleeping; we could see them moving slightly. They were perfectly fine!

We then headed to feed the giraffes. This is always a fun experience. They know exactly when it's time to eat and come right up to you. Holy cats they have a long, purple tongue!

We grabbed some iced coffee and ice cream at the cute coffee shop that they recently added! It was delicious and definitely needed on this warm day! Then we walked around the large animals. Bison, zebras, reindeer, antelope! Lots of different birds.

Then it was time to feed the otters. I was nervous Taytum was going to struggle because they eat little fish. She was brave and touched a few but couldn't do it too much. So, Chris and Piper had fun and fed them all. They are so cute swimming and showing off with their flips and turns!

Chris really wanted to feed the rhino so that was where we headed next. Wow those things are huge. They currently have 2 male rhinos. It was so fun to watch Chris do this experience.

Next, we did Taytum's second favorite spot! Where you go in a screened in enclosure, get some sticks with seeds on and wait for birds to visit you. And oh boy do they visit you. Taytum could stay in here all day. She giggles when she gets just covered in birds. They land on her hands for the seeds and on her head and shoulders. She thinks it is just the best.

Uffda it was then time to head out and get some rest. We were pooped! Ended the night with the Albany parade, which was great as always, then off to bed!